Conservation Jobs in Portland, TX (NOW HIRING)

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one member to contribute to energy data projects under the mentorship of USFWS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: June/July 2026 (flexible)

Estimated End Date: March/April 2027

*a 38 week minimum commitment is required, approximately 1520 hours*

Location Details/Description: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Rockport, Texas

Established in 1937 for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge now encompasses more than 115,000 acres of diverse habitat along the Texas Gulf Coast. Perhaps best known as the wintering home of the last wild flock of endangered Whooping Cranes, the refuge is also home to a diversity of migratory birds and other resident wildlife.

For more information about Aransas NWR, please visit the FWS website.

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Aransas NWR.

The primary responsibilities of this role include collecting, organizing, digitizing, and managing energy-related data. This work involves reviewing historical records as well as conducting field inspections and assessments of orphaned, abandoned, and active wells, pipelines, and other oil and gas infrastructure on refuge lands.

This position will also assist Refuge staff by:

• Using ArcGIS and Excel to support research, field data collection, map development, and the management of geospatial information.
• Conducting field surveys for key plant and animal species and monitoring how refuge activities impact wildlife and habitat conditions.
• Contributing to the development of habitat management plans, including prescribed fire, invasive species control, wetland management, etc
• Preparing documentation and permits required under NEPA and other federal regulations.
• Supporting emergency response efforts such as wildfire and spill incidents and assisting with daily refuge operations and maintenance.
• Participating in programs related to wildlife, habitat conservation, and refuge resource management to support science-based decision-making.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Duties will primarily be carried out Monday - Thursday (7am-4:30pm) with alternating Fridays off (worked Fridays are 7am-3:30pm). Bi-weekly totals should not exceed 80 hours. A flexible work schedule may be required, which could involve work performed outside of normal work hours, including over 8-hour work days and working on weekends and/or holidays. Time off may be granted and requests should be directed to ACE and the FWS for approval.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $805/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing Reimbursement: ACE members will receive up to $125/week reimbursement for housing expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Housing will be provided by the FWS at no cost to the member throughout the duration of the term.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes boots, pants, socks, outerwear, etc., and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Members may also receive training on equipment operation, sampling and survey instrumentation, defensive driving, and any necessary site-specific training.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as natural resources, biology, earth science, etc.
• Demonstrated GIS skills
• Experience with data manipulation in Excel
• Ability to work independently and communicate well verbally and in writing
• Ability to conduct field work on refuges that may include hiking off trails in a variety of terrain and weather conditions, including work in and on watercraft

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. The Texas Gulf Coast can be extremely hot and humid, with no lack of mosquitos and bugs. There are 5 species of venomous snake that inhabit the Texas Gulf Coast
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools
• Travel: This position does not require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the FWS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the FWS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the FWS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to FWS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website.Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal la